About
Compact clusters of flowers opening from the top downwards are held on upright stems in late spring to early summer. A terrestrial orchid up to 30cm tall with 3-4 basal, oblong to oval leaves. Each flower comprises 3 sepals which form a greyish-white hood flecked with pink and below this, a flower lip with a monkey-like appearance: a narrow white 'body' with short, pinkish-purple hairs and curved, pink 'arms' and 'legs' with a short 'tail' between the legs.
About the genus
Orchis are tuberous, terrestrial orchids with rosettes of light to dark green leaves, sometimes purple-spotted, and dense, upright spikes of delicate, purple, red, pink, green, yellow or white flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a moist but well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free